GS4 · 10 marks · 150 words

Goodness is the result of internal imperatives to do what is right, not sanctions from moral rules or rewards from expected consequences. Do you agree? Discuss.

Answered by 8 toppers · CSE 2022–2025

Syllabus: Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, determinants and consequences of Ethics in-human actions; dimensions of ethics; ethics - in private and public relationships. Human Values - lessons from the lives and teachings of great leaders, reformers and administrators; role of family society and educational institutions in inculcating values.

How toppers approached it

From 8 of the 9 answers · about 160 words · 13% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition38%
  • No separate opening25%
  • A quotation25%
  • A direct answer13%

Body

  • Points88%
  • Points and prose13%

Close

  • No separate close50%
  • A way forward38%
  • A summary13%

The toppers’ answers

RuhaniAIR 5 · CSE 2023 · 134 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a direct answer

Goodness comes from internal motivations to do good for the society. It is not driven by external factors.

Body · points

GOODNESS COMES FROM WITHIN :

  • Inner fire to change things brings real change. Eg:- Mahatma Gandhi said - 'Be the change you want to see in the world'.
  • It makes us internally happy.
  • Drives us to help others. Eg:- Mother Teresa.

GOODNESS IS NOT EXTERNAL

  • No amount of laws, moral rules are sufficient to prevent unethical behaviour. Eg:- IAS Pooja Singhal (mining scam).
  • Lack of rewards or recognition should not demotivate. Even pain can be endured if goodness lies within. Eg:- IAS Ashok Khemka (transfers).

Close · a way forward

However, this does not suggest that laws are done away with.

Good behaviour should be incentivised through rewards which can cement such behaviour and inspire others.

More on Dimensions of Ethics

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